The Duke sat at the head of a long table in the war room of Stormwatch Isle, his brow furrowed in thought. Before him stood his most trusted advisors and the leaders of his intelligence team, their faces a mix of concern and determination.

"We need to know everything about the Shadow Serpent," the Duke said, his voice firm. "Their numbers, their leaders, their goals. Nothing is too small to overlook."

The head of the intelligence team, a seasoned spy named Selene, stepped forward. "Your Grace, we have been gathering information for some time. The cult operates in secret, their movements carefully concealed. But we have managed to uncover some leads."

She passed a stack of parchment to the Duke, who began to read through them, his expression growing more grim with each passing moment. The cult's activities were far-reaching, their influence spreading like a cancer through the realm.

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"We must act swiftly," the Duke said, looking up from the reports. "Selene, assemble your best operatives. We need to infiltrate the cult, gather more intelligence. I want to know their every move."

Selene nodded, her eyes steely with determination. "It will be done, Your Grace. We will leave no stone unturned."

As Selene and her team left to prepare for their mission, the Duke turned to his aids, his voice commanding. "Prepare the navy. We leave for the capital at once."

His aids nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. The capital was a dangerous place, filled with intrigue and betrayal. But the Duke was determined to face whatever challenges awaited him.

"Also," the Duke added, "prepare a gift for the Emperor. Our navy has captured several monster bodies. They will make a valuable offering."

Monster bodies were highly sought after, their parts used for crafting powerful weapons and elixirs. The Emperor would no doubt appreciate such a gift, especially after so many years of absence.

As the preparations began in earnest, the Duke couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding. The Shadow Serpent was a formidable foe, and their plans were far from clear. But he was the Duke of the Sea, and he would not falter in the face of adversity.

As the sun set over Stormwatch Isle, casting long shadows over the rugged cliffs and turbulent sea, the Duke stood at the bow of his flagship, the wind whipping through his hair. Ahead lay the capital, and with it, the Emperor's summons. The journey would be perilous, but the Duke was ready. The storm was coming, and he would meet it head-on.